Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP) - Private Plan Changes
What is a private plan change?
A private plan change request is a formal application to change the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP) in some way. This could involve changing the zoning of a property or modifying rules that apply in a particular zone. It is similar to a Council plan change but is lodged by a private party (e.g., a person, company or incorporated organisation). The changes may involve modifying existing provisions or to introduce new provisions into the NRMP.
See full details of all plan changes to the NRMP.
The Resource Management Act (RMA) sets out specific requirements for private plan change applications, particularly Part 2 of Schedule 1 and Section 32 of that Act. These cover what must be included in a private plan change request, how the request must be processed (including time limits) and who can be involved.
Private Plan changes can be lengthy and resource-intensive processes. If you are considering a private plan change request, please contact us to discuss your proposal and the information that will be required.
Private plan change or resource consent?
Plan changes are typically a long-term, resource-intensive processes, often extending over months or even years (see the Statutory Timeframes section below for more information). If the issue at hand can be managed effectively through a resource consent, this may be a more efficient approach.
A plan change request may be more appropriate in the following circumstances:
- if the proposal would have significant effects on a locality or environment;
- if the proposal makes significant changes to current Plan provisions, i.e. by requiring several zones or a number of zone provisions to be changed;
- when the intention is to provide for a range of alternative activities that the plan doesn’t currently anticipate or readily provide for, or
- if the proposal relates to a development that covers a number of sites, will happen in stages, or over a long time period.
Developments that would have fewer, or less significant, adverse effects than the worst-case scenario permitted by the proposed plan change rules may have a greater chance of success through a resource consent application.
A resource consent allows for case-by-case assessment, which can be advantageous where a specific activity or development is proposed that doesn’t align perfectly with the current plan provisions but is still consistent with overarching policy goals.
By opting for resource consent where possible, applicants can meet immediate needs more easily and allow for tailored conditions to be imposed on individual cases, while conserving resources that would otherwise be required for a plan change process.
Find out more about resource consents.
Cost and process
Under the RMA, applicants are responsible for all reasonable costs associated with processing their private plan change request.
A deposit (as per Councils current Fees and Charges) is required when lodging a formal request. This initial payment covers preliminary administrative and processing costs. Additional costs are likely, and any expenses exceeding the initial deposit will be invoiced to the applicant.
For detailed information on application requirements, associated costs and the process, please refer to the Guidelines for Private Plan Change Applicants.
Statutory Timeframes
The table below outlines the key statutory timeframes under the RMA for processing a private plan change request. It provides an indicative timeframe for each stage of the process, helping applicants understand how long each step may take.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Processing request | Council has 30 working days to decide how to proceed with a Private Plan Change request, but this period may be extended if Council requests further information or commissions a report. |
| Public notification | If accepted or adopted the plan change must be publicly notified by Council within 4 months of the decision. |
| Submission period | At least 20 working days. Note that in a complex plan change more time may be needed for the public to understand the plan change material and write a submission. |
| Summarising submissions | This depends on the number of submissions received and complexity of the Plan Change, and could be up to several months. |
| Further submissions period | Maximum of 10 working days. |
| Council (s42a) report written | This depends on the number of submissions received and complexity of the Plan Change, and could be 2 to 4 months after further submissions close. Additional time can then be taken by pre-hearing conferencing between applicant and submitter experts, submission of applicant and submitter expert evidence. |
| Hearing | This depends on the number of people speaking at the hearing, it could go for several days or up to several weeks. Further meetings. e.g. expert conferencing, may be required between submitter and applicant experts following the hearing, this will add weeks or possibly months to this period. |
| Commissioner report written | This varies according to the size and complexity of the Plan Change but may take 1-2 months. |
| Council decision and Appeals | Council will generally meet to decide on the Commissioners recommendation within several weeks of receiving the report.
From the date of public notification, councils have two years to make and publicly notify decisions, and can seek an extension of up to 12 months. Appeals from submitters are due within 30 working days of the Council decision. |
| Appeal process | If the decision is appealed to the Environment Court this can be a lengthy process, e.g. up to two years. |
Please contact the Environment Planning Team if you are considering a private plan change request to discuss your proposal and the information that will be required.
Further information
Once you have decided that a private plan change is the best path forward our Guidelines for Private Plan Change Applicants booklet is designed to guide you through the next steps in the private plan change process. Whether you're looking to rezone land, introduce a new policy, or amend existing provisions in the district plan, this guide will help you understand what’s required, what to expect, and how we can support you along the way. We’ve outlined the key stages, important considerations, and tips to help you prepare a well-structured and complete application.
